A Weekend Retreat in Limassol, Cyprus
A travel piece highlighting local cuisine and excursions in Limassol, Cyprus, including a day-by-day guide to plan the perfect retreat.
Limassol, Cyprus, February 2023.
The picturesque city of Limassol, Cyprus, is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway from the bustling chaos of daily life. Especially for those looking for a group retreat or a unique bonding experience, Limassol is the place to go. The quiet city enthralls visitors with cobblestone streets embellished with potted palm trees, orange saplings, yellow charlock flowers and ample amounts of leafy vines. Restaurants like Tavernaki, Ouisa, and Sykaminia Cook Shop serve local Cypriot cuisine and produce a mouthwatering aroma that mixes with the sweet perfume of the local flora. Local vendors delight tourists with a variety of Cypriot like mugs with the word Cyprus painted on the side, key chains with a wine bottle dangling from the chain, and locally made jewelry with a variety of multicolored beads and pendants.
Though leisurely during the day, Limassol becomes livelier at night, with local bars and clubs opening their doors and welcoming people with boisterous music and a KEO beer or cocktail. If you’re in Limassol during the winter before Lent, you can attend Carnival, an annual Christian festival that’s celebrated across Europe. In Limassol, people throw on their most festive costumes and parade the streets, throwing shredded paper as confetti as they do. The square features live music, where people dance, sing, and enjoy drinks from pop-up bars outside of local restaurants.
After a fun night of socializing, sleepy Limassol slowly wakes up long after the run rises, restaurants open, and hums of voices gradually fill the streets as people share stories over mimosas and brunch. It’s time to do it all over again. Limassol’s small-town feel and rustic charm will never fail to grant visitors a much-needed taste of the slow life.
Where to Eat
Ouisia sits at the heart of the action in Old Town Limassol. Enjoy the sights and sounds as friendly waiting staff serve you American cuisine with a Cypriot twist.
The Cookhouse has a modern, minimalistic aesthetic, and is a great breakfast and brunch stop. They serve traditional Cypriot breakfast, and delicious mimosas and coffee.
Bakery Kafeneio is a healthy foodbar serving traditional Greek and Cypriot salads, acai bowls, yogurt parfaits, and more for a delicious and nutrious breakfast.
Tavernaki, right off the edge of the Mediterranean and located in the Limassol Marina is a restaurant serving seafood and traditional Cypriot food.
Sykaminia Cook Shop is a family-owned business on a quiet street in Old Town Limassol that serves Cypriot cuisine in traditional Meze style, which means dishes are shared among guests.
Gelatissimo, also situated in the Old Town Square, is quaint gelato and coffee shop.
Things to Do
Old Town Limassol is a must-see for visitors. The charming area is great for shopping and wandering.
Kolossi Castle, a short drive from Limassol to the neighboring small town, has beautiful architecture, stunning views of the countryside, and an intriguing history.
Lemesos Castle, in contrast, is tucked in the heart of Old Town Limassol and features the Medieval Museums of Cyprus.
Myristiko Herb Garden is locally grown and managed in Kolossi nearby Kolossi Castle. Visitors can stroll through the herb orchards, shop for handmade goods in the garden such as in-house olive oil and herbal sprays, and learn to make handmade bouqets.
Kourion Archaeological Park features the ancient ruins and mosaic of Kourion, along with a breathtaking view of the Cyprus coastline.
The Perfect Retreat
Friday
An alleyway in Limassol, Cyprus on a quiet morning, February 2023.
Explore Old Town Limassol
When you or your group first arrive in Limassol, you’ll likely be eager to dive into exploring the city. Old Town Limassol is the perfect place to wander. Enjoy getting lost in a sprawling system of narrow, lamp-lit alleys. Some buildings have orange walls with tan windowpanes, and others have white walls with blue windowpanes. Others had balconies protruding over the streets, some well-kept but some rickety, with shambled doors and rusted fences. In one alley, you’ll find a canopy of brightly colored umbrellas, including deep blue, cherry red, romantic purple and soft green.
A local souvenir shop occupies every corner. Shop owners leave their doors wide open, luring tourists in and delighting them with hand-made Cypriot goods like a bottle-opener shaped like a wine bottle that sticks to your fridge and thick strings of blue “worry beads” representing evil eyes, which are said to ease anxiety and ward off negative energy. Cats lounge in the streets, sunbathing or perched nearby restaurants, patiently waiting for a table scrap. A legend says that St. Helen brought cats from Egypt to rid it of an overwhelming population of snakes. True or not, you’ll spot a cat on every street corner. But don’t worry if you aren’t a cat person – they’ll usually mind their own business.
Dinner at Ouisa
After exploring and shopping in Old Town, you’ll be itching to sit down for a meal. Old Town hosts an abundance of restaurants. Among these is Ouisia, which is nestled on the corner of the old town square. Outdoor seating is available under a shaded patio framed by vines, and indoor seating allows for viewing the square through large, floor-to-ceiling windows. The atmosphere is inviting and family friendly, with blue and white checkered tablecloths and complimenting blue chairs. You may get a waiter like Alex, who’s peppy and affable nature may remind you of an excited dad at a cookout. He’ll crack lots of jokes and make sure everything is to your liking. The menu features American cuisine with a Cypriot twist, such as pork souvlaki, which is grilled pork served with Cypriot Pitta bread, French fries and Greek salad tzatziki. There’s also Halloumi, a traditional Cypriot baked cheese made with a mix of goat and sheep milk, served with orange-fused tahini, cucumber, and lettuce served in a tortilla. The portions are big but affordable, with an entrée averaging to around 12 euros. You’ll leave the restaurant feeling stuffed and happy.
Dessert at Gelatissimo
However, if you’re wanting a little extra dessert or a pick-me-up, stop next door at Gelatissimo for smooth, creamy gelato or a steaming hot coffee. Maybe you’ll try Ferrero chocolate (a German chocolate brand) or cherry vanilla with a crunchy waffle cone. Or perhaps a cup of Rosé or mango sorbet, which doesn’t have dairy for those who need that. For something different, try the waffle lolly sticks – warm waffles coated in sugary syrup and topped with candy wrapped on a stick.
After the sun sets, Old Town springs to life, and people emerge to mingle at the bars. Colorful lights flash from windows, and lemon-mint Shisha smoke drifts in the air from nearby Shisha bars. If you’re not quite ready to end the night, you can hang around the square and mingle, or walk to a bar nearby for a drink.
A person walks down a quiet alley in Limassol, Cyprus, February 2023.
Gelatissimo is a gelato and coffee shop located just off the square in Limassol, Cyprus, February 2023.
Students walk beneath rows of colorful umbrellas in an alleyway in Limassol, Cyprus, February 2023.
Il Castello Cafe and Restaurant sits at the heart of town square, right across from Ouisa.
A balcony hangs over an alley in Limassol, Cyprus, February 2023.
Tourists gape in town square as vendors prepare for Carnival, an annual Christian festival celebrated across Europe, in Limassol, Cyprus, February 2023.
A sits beneath a table, waiting for scraps or attention, at an outdoor restaurant in Limassol, Cyprus, February 2023.
Saturday
Caroline Knarich takes a photo at Myrstiko Herb Gardens outside of Limassol, near Kolossi Castle, in Cyprus, February 2023.
Brunch at the Cookhouse
Life starts late in Limassol, long after the sun has risen over the aquamarine Mediterranean. The crisp morning air will fill you with energy the moment you step outside, and you’ll relish the peace and quiet of Limassol mornings. Apart from coffee shops, breakfast and brunch places typically open around 9:00 a.m. but don’t pick up crowds until closer to 11:00 a.m. The Cookhouse is distinguished by minimalistic décor, including potted plants, marble counters and glass trimmings on the patio and windows. The restaurant serves excellent mimosas and a traditional Cypriot breakfast called Mpoukkoma, which includes an assortment of baked bread, eggs cooked sunny-side up, halloumi, cooked pork sausage links, and fresh fruit like oranges and pomegranates.
Explore Kourion Archaeological Park
At the Kourion Archaeological Park, you’ll be stunned by the ruins of the late kingdom of Kourion. Evidence finds the ruins are associated with the Greek legend of Argos of Peloponnese. Walk along wooden pathways raised over the ruins and admire the archeological site from above underneath a shaded pavilion, where you can read plaques packed with historical information. Ancient mosaic art of Greek gods and goddesses covers the floors of the ancient baths alongside the crumbling white-rock ruins. The large amphitheater nearby faces a stunning view of the Cyprus coast with rolling hills and sandy beaches. Standing in the center of the amphitheater, you can give your best Ted Talk and check out the acoustics of the ancient theater, which are still as effective today as they were thousands of years ago.
Explore Kolossi Castle
A short drive from Limassol Marina is Kolossi Castle, which was built by the Grand Commander of the Order Louis De Magnac in 1454. The castle was once used as an administration center and living quarters for soldiers, but now it stands as a restored archeological site for visitors to enjoy. Marvel at the ancient stone walls, towering arches, and incredible views from the windows. Climb the narrow spiral staircase, and eventually you’ll reach the roof. The battlements once used for sniping enemy soldiers now serve as fantastic lookouts to see spectacular views of Limassol’s rippling agriculture fields and attractive farm- style houses.
Bouquets, Tea and Bonding at Myristiko Herb Garden
Hidden nearby Kolossi Castle is the Myristiko Herb Garden. This botanical utopia is a must-visit spot, especially for those searching for serenity. If you book ahead of time online, your group can arrange a magical day of rejuvenating activities. Wander the pebbles paths through the orange and lemon trees, smell the sweet lavender and eucalyptus plants, and reflect for a moment in the colorful hammock hanging between two orange trees. Roxanne, a soft- spoken woman with dark hair and kind eyes, will show your group how to make herb bouquets with freshly picked herbs and hand-cut cloth and ties, like she did for Cypriot locals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Later, enjoy fresh “mountain tea” which consists of cinnamon cloves, lemon extract, rosemary, lavender and other essential herbs, and sweet, nutty cookies sprinkled in seeds. While you snack, you listen to the birds singing to one another, the wind rustling the lush greenery, and local children shouting in the distance. Any feelings of stress and anxiety will surely blow away with the wind, and your group will leave the garden feeling inspired and gratuitous.
Dinner at Tavernaki
After a wonderful afternoon at the garden, head back to the Limassol Marina for a delicious seaside dinner at Tavernaki. The restaurant is situated at the heart of the Marina shopping center, with patio seating and a direct view of the shiny white yachts in the sparkling Mediterranean. Enjoy delectable seafood, including fried calamari, king prawns roasted in garlic butter, and grilled fish. They also serve Cypriot Greek food, like pork and chicken gyros and tzatziki sauce. After a satisfying and relaxing dinner, listening to the ocean waves, observing the shiny yachts in the harbor, and watching the sun set of the Mediterranean, you’ll be ready take on the nightlife or head to bed.
Yellow flowers grow next to the street in the countryside near Kolossi Castle and Limassol, Cyprus, February 2023.
Myrstiko Herb Gardens is hidden nearby Kolossi Castle outside of Limassol, Cyprus, February 24.
Oranges grow in orchards at Myrstiko Herb Gardens, which is hidden nearby Kolossi Castle outside of Limassol, Cyprus, February 24.
Roxanne at Myrstiko Herb Gardens provided biscuits, mountain tea, fresh oranges, and flower bouquet-making workshops in February 2023.
Oranges and various other plants grow in orchards at Myrstiko Herb Gardens, which is hidden near Kolossi Castle outside of Limassol, Cyprus, on February 24.
The amphitheater at Kourion Archaeological Park overlooks the Adriatic Sea, February 2024.
The ruins at Kourion Archaeological Park, evidently connected to Greek legend of Argos of Peloponnese, February 2024.
Kolossi Castle is a short drive away from the Limassol Marina, February 2023.
Fifteenth-century art adorns the inside of Kolossi Castle, February 2023.
Open windows provide sunlight and a cool breeze inside Kolossi Castle, February 2023.
Visitors quietly explore Lemosos Castle, located in the heart of Limassol, February 2023.
Ancient stone carvings are on display inside Lemosos Castle, located in the heart of Limassol, February 2023.
Sunday
Breakfast at Bakery Kafeneio
When you wake up for your last day, you may be looking for something a little lighter for breakfast after enjoying classic Cypriot cuisine for the past couple days. Make your way to the Limassol Marina to find the Bakery, a colorful and pleasant café with intimate silver tables, light blue windowpanes used creatively as counter paneling, and local plants and fruits decorating the shelves and tables. The bakery has lots of healthy breakfast options including salads, breakfast wraps, parfaits, and acai bowls. They also serve more unique dishes like matcha pistachio and cocoa pancakes. With so many different choices, including vegan friendly options, you’re sure to find something you love.
Explore Lemesos Castle
After breakfast, head back to Old Town Limassol once again to get in one last sight- seeing destination you don’t want to pass – Lemesos Castle. Unlike the secluded Kolossi Castle, Lemesos is at the heart of Limassol square and in close vicinity to the old port of Lemesos. The castle is a culmination an Early Christian Basilica, a Middle Byzantine monument, and a Gothic single-aisle church, and one can find tons of ancient scripture and art carved into its stone walls. Later, the castle was fortified and used for battle by the Ottomans, and then as a prison during British rule until it went out of use after 1942. From there, it was passed to the Department of Antiquities, which transformed the castle into the present Medieval Museums of Cyprus, which contains a plethora of ancient art, tools, weapons, household items, and more for visitors to see. Finally, head to the top level of the caste for an amazing view of Old Town Limassol before heading to your final lunch stop.
Lunch at Sykaminia Cook Shop
After a fun-filled afternoon, head back to Old Town Limassol and find Sykaminia Cook Shop, tucked away in one of the narrow alleys near the square. This streetside, family-owned restaurant is crammed with tables, but the light interior, photographs on the walls, and bicycle in the corner will make you feel as though you’ve been invited to a cozy family meal. When you enter and take your seat at the white cloth-covered table, you’ll be greeted by plates of traditional Cypriot salad, warm sliced bread, and bowls of tzatziki sauce. As you begin munching, friendly waiting staff will bring out halloumi, season rice, grilled pork and chicken, and baked beans. If you don’t want meat, don’t fear – vegetarians and vegans can get delicious falafel, French fries, and beans. The food is served in the traditional Cypriot Meze style, meaning dishes are shared rather than served individually to each guest. Damiani, whose parents opened the restaurant nearly 30 years ago, said her mother’s favorite recipe is the baked beans, so be sure to give them a try before you go. According to Damiani, the restaurant is among the few that serve traditional Cypriot cuisine, and it attracts more locals than tourists, so it’s busy all year round. There’s no better day to commemorate your final meal in Limassol with the most authentic Cypriot food and experience you can find.
The Slow Life is Calling
Whether you’re an overworked employee who wants a break from the 9-5, or an enthusiastic boss looking for the perfect company retreat, Limassol, Cyprus is the perfect destination to step back from life and reflect. Maybe over tea and cookies at a captivating garden, or a classic glass of Rose at the Limassol town square. Perhaps you take a walk at the Kourion ruins, or enjoy a mimosa at the Limassol Marina. In Limassol, people live the slow life: a life filled with wine and cheese, surrounded by lush plants and quaint restaurants. It’s a revitalizing life you’ll want to come back to.
